Looking for a Master Tuner

[Richard]

Hello all, with all the fine artists and technicians on our forum, I wonder if you would point me in the proper direction. I purchased a magnificent Super VI ‘N’ model Scandalli from I think the early 60’s
1.The tuning altho very good it can use some touching up. Is there someone that has the experience to
help with this?
2. I also would love to have a slight tremolo maybe 8 cents. The VI is concert tuned. Should I not do this
on such a fine accordion?
Thank you in advance for your knowledge and wisdom!

 

[debra]

I don't know of tuners in your area, sorry. You need to be extra careful they don't steal your reeds while supposedly only tuning, and they should not use a Dremel (or other rotary device) for tuning.
As for the tremolo, it's entirely a matter of taste. I like 7 or 8 cents as a very mild tremolo, but others prefer 10, 12, 14, 16... The one thing I do not like is concert tuning (2 cents) because it just sounds like a failed attempt at completely dry tuning (0 cents).

 

[dak]

I don't know of tuners in your area, sorry. You need to be extra careful they don't steal your reeds while supposedly only tuning, and they should not use a Dremel (or other rotary device) for tuning.
As for the tremolo, it's entirely a matter of taste. I like 7 or 8 cents as a very mild tremolo, but others prefer 10, 12, 14, 16... The one thing I do not like is concert tuning (2 cents) because it just sounds like a failed attempt at completely dry tuning (0 cents).

Well, where would the forum be without differences in opinion? This kind of tuning gives kind of a chorus effect giving the notes more depth. It also "pads out" chords by fuzzying out the 2 cents of pitch mismatch from fifths in equal temperament. The downside is that it's worse in maintenance than a straight tuning (where the smallest differences will tend to synchronize) and getting consistent behavior for slow scales and melodies is kind of short-lived. For fast runs, it doesn't differ significantly from straight tuning. So it's more of an Accordion 4 tuning option than an Accordion 1 option. Also the "chorus" effect works best as a 3-reed variant (that is more complex than a slow beating), and few people are willing to have two tremolo reeds that are both tuned rather shallow.

 

[Walker]

I purchased a magnificent Super VI ‘N’ model Scandalli from I think the early 60’s

It would be great to see a photo of your lovely Super VI. I like 'em!

. You need to be extra careful they don't steal your reeds while supposedly only tuning, and they should not use a Dremel (or other rotary device) for tuning.

A number of years ago, when I had a Super VI, I got it tuned and restored in Northern Italy. It was all good and I had no problem. However, nowadays I would personally ask @debra if I wanted a special accordion worked on. While we may disagree on the piano vs buttons debate, I think he is a perfectionist and would put more time and effort into doing a good job than anyone!

 

[debra]

A number of years ago, when I had a Super VI, I got it tuned and restored in Northern Italy. It was all good and I had no problem. However, nowadays I would personally ask @debra if I wanted a special accordion worked on. While we may disagree on the piano vs buttons debate, I think he is a perfectionist and would put more time and effort into doing a good job than anyone!
...

Sorry, I only do repairs and tuning for friends I play with in ensembles and orchestras. (I used to do repairs for friends of friends as well and that quickly became too much work!

 

[dak]

Sorry, I only do repairs and tuning for friends I play with in ensembles and orchestras. (I used to do repairs for friends of friends as well and that quickly became too much work!

Being meticulous and having had just a hobbyist workload means that you take eternities to get something done to your satisfaction. Nothing you'd sensibly do for strangers.

 

[debra]

Being meticulous and having had just a hobbyist workload means that you take eternities to get something done to your satisfaction. Nothing you'd sensibly do for strangers.

That is true. Some small issues in accordions can take a long time to diagnose and solve. I wouldn't like to do a less than perfect job just to be faster and keep a repair affordable. But my main motivation to limit the number of repairs I do is that I want to spend more time on making arrangements and playing the accordion.

 

[Richard]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it. My best to all!

 

[Rodney]

As for the tremolo, it's entirely a matter of taste. I like 7 or 8 cents as a very mild tremolo, but others prefer 10, 12, 14, 16... The one thing I do not like is concert tuning (2 cents) because it just sounds like a failed attempt at completely dry tuning (0 cents).

Thanks Paul, I’ve been wondering what ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ mean!

 

[PhiliGol]

Hi Rodney
This video cited before pretty much explains it:


Dry basically means no beating (tremolo) which is the 1st box played in the video.
Though it (supposedly) engages 2 reeds per key tuned unison you won't hear a beating - some "phasing" if at all.

To my understanding "wet" is anything beyond that.
How much of wetness - well, you'll find a whole lot of articles here.

 

[Rodney]

Hi Rodney
This video cited before pretty much explains it:


Dry basically means no beating (tremolo) which is the 1st box played in the video.
Though it (supposedly) engages 2 reeds per key tuned unison you won't hear a beating - some "phasing" if at all.

To my understanding "wet" is anything beyond that.
How much of wetness - well, you'll find a whole lot of articles here.

Thanks PhiliGol, it’s nice to have understanding of the the art of music being reinforced by science.

 

[Big Squeezy Accordions]

I see you are in San Francisco, so Smythe's in Petaluma should be your best bet. I wouldn't risk shipping it if you don't have to.